Séaghdha Lavellan

Séaghdha Lavellan Jun 21, 2016 19:42:22 GMT -5

Post by Séaghdha Lavellan on Jun 21, 2016 19:42:22 GMT -5

Séaghdha ('shay') Lavellan

[attr="class","cafbtbox"]

[attr="class","cafh2"]strengths

One of the strongest characteristics of Séaghdha is his kindness. There are no restrictions and no expectation of repayment or otherwise on his kindness, no matter what. He just enjoys seeing people smile, make them laugh, assist through a hard time, or in some way know he was able to help them. It isn’t a choice for him, either; he doesn’t stop to consider whether he should or shouldn’t. It’s simply him, and he simply does.
Usually working in tandem with his natural good nature is his similarly natural compassion. Séaghdha is a bleeding heart and, ultimately, just wants everyone to have their shot at happiness. Thusly, he is always willing to try and provide that opportunity for others, giving indiscriminately in whatever way he can. It is a trait easily taken advantage of, but ultimately he doesn’t mind. At the end of the day, so long as he knows he did what he could, he’s content.
Séaghdha will never ask more from someone than they are willing to give. He accepts people as they are, for who they are, without demand or pretense. As far as he is concerned, everyone deserves to live without judgement, to have that one chance to prove themselves to themselves, and to others. He’s learned that not everyone takes that chance (or that they use it to harm rather than to improve), but it has not changed his view in the slightest. It has only made him more cautious of how close he lets people get while they’re trying.
Unsurprisingly of a man with such an open heart, Séaghdha is a very open minded individual. He rarely holds grudges and any prejudices he has are based on individual, not people as a whole. This open mind translates to other avenues of life as well, letting him grasp abstract concepts readily for what they are, rather than trying to deconstruct them to fit into the common purview. This mindset has especially helped him in his studies of magic – because he is willing to consider what he thinks he knows is incorrect, he has been able to explore many new concepts others would say were impossible.
He is incredibly loyal, almost to the point where it’s a little intimidating. Those who earn this sort of loyalty from him are few and far between, but he would kill for them without hesitation. If you have gained Séaghdha’s loyalty, you have gained his trust, and he will stand with you until the end.
Dedication to a cause, subject, people, or individual is a common theme in Séaghdha’s life. When he finds something or someone whom he believes in, and thinks has a real chance to succeed and/or flourish if given enough hard work and opportunity, he will throw himself into it wholeheartedly to achieve those goals. Most often this trait manifests in his studies and development of magic, as well as his need to seemingly protect the whole world.
He’s not all emotions, though. At this point in his life, Séaghdha has collected a wealth of knowledge and become an accomplished scholar, of a sort. Primarily this applies to the study, development, and application of magic, both new and old. He has spent so much time delving into the mysteries of magic that those close to him have joked he’d be more likely to get lost coming home than get lost in the Fade. He has picked up knowledge in other areas as well, notably in the realm of finances and nobility in Thedas, much in thanks to his close work with Josephine.
It’s unusual to find practicality in an idealist, but Séaghdha has a surprising amount of it. When he has one of his dreamy goals set or impulses of charity, instead of acting on it with whimsical exuberance as one would expect, he instead applies a very realistic set of steps to achieve whatever the goal. He takes a very logistical approach to moving the mountains he dreams up.
Going hand in hand with his practicality is an excellent set of problem solving skills. Growing up Dalish, he learned the ability to make use of what you have rather than lament you can’t do something because you lack the parts. His ability to improvise with his surroundings helped greatly during his time as Inquisitor.
Finally, if nothing else, Séaghdha is brave. His penchant for being thrust into impossible situations and surviving them is entirely due to his courage and stubborn refusal so stand down and let danger reach others. He would much rather die fighting for what is right than cower, even if terrified. Some might call it recklessness, but he would count that it is simply the right thing to do.

[attr="class","cafbtbox"]

[attr="class","cafh2"]flaws

Séaghdha’s most obvious flaw is his whimsical nature and tendency to encourage flights of fancy. His dreaminess and altruism can sometimes make him seem too detached from the world to understand exactly why such idealism seems so irresponsible. He regularly gets caught up in unrealistic plans and ideas to help in whatever the quest of the moment is – or he makes up a new quest entirely – which has gotten him in trouble more than once.
Regardless of the trials and tribulations, the lies and betrayals, and the people who have come and gone at this point in his life, he remains unfortunately naïve about the nature of the world. With his strong belief that ‘all people are good until proven otherwise’, he makes himself an easy target. While he’s hardened over the years, he still suffers easy manipulation if a person plays the right cards – more so these days, now that he lacks his friends and advisors to point out when he’s being used.
It goes without saying that he is overly trusting. While he has started to build up walls around his personal bubble over the past few years, he remains too willing to lend his assistance to nearly anyone who asks. It has caused him to put himself in danger on many occasions, due to intentional manipulations or plain bad information. Despite it all, it’s a trait he can’t shake.
Loyalty is a big part of his character. Unfortunately, too big. His steadfast trust in those who have earned it can make him utterly blind to their faults or machinations, even to the point of disbelieving their involvement when the evidence is clearly put in front of him. As such, he is completely crushed when reality settles.
Unfortunately, in recent years he has developed a tendency to drop into bouts of extreme paranoia. This behavior is so at odds with his usual optimistic attitude it makes him feel foreign in his own skin, causing him to be overly twitchy, sensitive, and prone to jumping to such ridiculous conclusions as conspiracy, or worse. He hates it, but cannot stop it, and regardless of his efforts to figure out what triggers these episodes, he’s had no luck.
Séaghdha lacks the wisdom of the common man, in part due to his Dalish upbringing and in part due to simply having his head in the clouds too much. Where not to go in a city, who to speak to, who not to speak to, what to say, how to barter, what to wear, where to rest your head without worrying about a knife in the back, how to navigate city streets around carts and people without getting lost… The list goes on. One would think he’d have gained experience with these aspects of ‘normal life’, but he lacks them entirely.
Séaghdha has a lot of drive, and when he puts his mind to something he will pursue it relentlessly. This ability to focus on his goals so intensely might make him productive, but it is not necessarily healthy. He will often become so focused on his task that he develops a sort of tunnel vision, the rest of the world falling away as he is consumed by this one thing. He has spent days at a time locked away to his studies, and has been so focused he has forgotten to sleep and eat in many instances.
He has always struggled with insecurity, in both his appearance and in his abilities. A close call with unwanted attention when he was very young instilled in him shame in regard to his looks, and he struggles immensely to reconcile it with the fact he is so often the very center of attention. He is prone to fidgeting and deliberately avoiding eye contact during some of the more severe periods. It is similar with his skillset, though they do not at all bring him shame – growing up he didn’t have too much concern with his magic, being well regarded with his people, but the strong negative reaction to it when he left his clan affected him deeply.
During the events of the Inquisition, Séaghdha often doubted his decisions, even when he was certain of them when he made them. He was regularly plagued with concern on whether or not he had done ‘the right thing’, and the more decisions he had to make, the worse the doubts would become. His self-doubt doubled in severity after the Exalted Council, where, in his mind, his decisions had led them to damage that may as well be irreparable.
The previously perpetual optimist has been wounded too many times over the past several years and has lost his consistent positive mood. While at first he’d only skim the top of negativity every so often, after the loss of his arm and the betrayal of his best friend he became prone to episodes of deep depression. An emotional person by nature, the vulnerability he feels in these moments overwhelms and terrifies him, and he will usually lock himself away from the world thinking that is the safest thing to do until it passes.

[attr="class","cafbox"] 34

[attr="class","cafbox"] male

[attr="class","cafbox"] elf

[attr="class","cafbox"] rift mage

[attr="class","cafbox"] orlais

[PTabbedContent][PTab=History]

[attr="class","cafh2"]The Beginning

Séaghdha was born to two loving hunters of the Lavellan clan whom were overjoyed to welcome a son into the world. He remembers fond flashes of them, certain smells, images of greens eyes and dark hair, but little else. His parents were both lost to human raiders when he was still learning to walk, and he was raised primarily by his Keeper Deshanna Istimaethoriel.

Despite the loss surrounding his beginning days, he was a very happy child. Shy but energetic, Séaghdha was most often found attached at the hip to the clan’s Hahren excitedly asking questions about the stories they told, rather than off playing with other children his age. When he did wander, it was usually alone, and regardless of the scoldings there were more than a few occasions where the young elf got lost chasing a fascinating looking bird or butterfly.

He maintained this carefree, fascinated life for several years, until he was 7 and wandered too far into the woods alone, stumbling across a human hunting party. It was the first time Séaghdha had met humans and, true to his nature, he was interested in what they were doing. He knew better than to approach – all the stories of how cruel humans could be being not totally lost on the boy – and instead stalked their camp from a distance. He did not anticipate the dogs.

Discovered, he panicked, and the humans who approached proved their intentions nefarious. They gave chase, running him down with ease and trapping him. Many taunts and cruel names were given while he was pushed around roughly. The humans had worse things planned for the ‘pretty elf boy’ lost in the woods.

In fear, Séaghdha reached out to defend himself from his attackers and, in so doing, discovered his gift for magic. Before matters could worsen to an entirely traumatic extent, he had managed to light one of the men completely on fire. The screaming attracted the Dalish hunters who had already been looking for him, and he was whisked away back to the camp while his seniors dealt with the humans who most assuredly didn’t survive.

From then on, Séaghdha occupied himself entirely with study. He more carefully heeded the words of his Keeper, learning of both the Fade and the responsibility of the life set before him. Many years of especially devoted training combined with that same thirst for knowledge he’d had as a boy resulted on an elf with a firm grip on his abilities and a strong sense of morality. The Keeper couldn’t train away his whimsical nature however – he still ran after butterflies and found secluded places of green to read alone. Séaghdha hoped to be like the heroes in the stories from the Hahren one day, leading their people to glory once again.

While he had become more versed in the ways of humans over the years, especially so with Deshanna’s interest in keeping up with world affairs, he was still surprised when the Keeper pulled him aside to discuss with him the Chantry faith. She cryptically told him this knowledge would serve him well one day, and to remember it carefully.

It wasn’t until a year later, shortly after his 18th birthday when the peace talks at Haven were being organized, did he realize what she had meant. She told him his course, wished him luck and good health, and sent him on his way.

[attr="class","cafh2"]The Inquisition

With the explosion of the conclave, his capture, and the mark on his hand, his subtle spying did not go as he’d hoped. With his firsthand experience with humans and their faith being relatively fresh, being thrust from prisoner to chosen one was an incredibly jarring experience. Thankfully, and slowly, he began to feel less alone as he grew familiar with those around him.

He took a liking in particular to the elf, Solas. Despite their arguments about the Dalish, he enjoyed the banter of magic and found the other elf’s explorations of the Fade miraculous. Over the course of the Inquisition, Solas would become one of his closest and most trusted friend, his opinion respected and his knowledge and wisdom welcome.

While Séaghdha upheld from the beginning that he was not the chosen one of any faith, not even of his own gods, his strong sense of right and wrong prompted him to throw in with this group of outcasts and assist in their attempt to heal the world.

During each trial and tribulation, it was this strong and genuine desire to help not just the people he’d come to care for, but everyone that kept him going. If asked, he would attribute his love for fellow peoples as the main reason any of his insane adventures ever being successful.

Over time he had found himself developing a need to be a guardian of the world, protecting it from what would come. But leading up to the events of the Exalted Council, he began to worry that the hero he had once hoped to be was very different than the hero he ended up being. Worry consumed him.

When the Council was finally called, he almost felt a sense of relief. At least then he could sweep out the ‘what ifs’ and plan for what was to come – or so he thought. There was utterly nothing that could have prepared him for the events that unfolded in that short time, and the shock of it all changed him. He walked away from the inactive Eluvian missing so much more than just a physical piece.

In his grief and loss, swimming in feelings of failure, he decided the Inquisition was not the force he thought it to be. There was too much danger in numbers, too much danger in the trust between even the closest fellows. Though it pained him greatly, he decreed the Inquisition end. He missed his friends terribly, and wrote to them often. Over time, however, the letters began to change.

[attr="class","cafh2"]The Aftermath

After the disbandment, Séaghdha became obsessed with the Fade and the lost arts of Elvhenan. Any time he did not spend traveling across the world in pursuit of study he spent asleep, wandering the fade to speak with spirits as his friend had once taught him. He learned much, but guards his knowledge fiercely. The young man who had once given his trust freely gave it to few, now.

He hoped his study and effort to fully understand the Veil and the true history of the elvhen would assist in his quest to redeem the Dread Wolf, steering him from the destructive course he’d set for himself. It was his duty, he believed, to protect Thedas from enemies – even if they were once friends. He refused to give up.

In this belief, he felt his new impairment would lessen his usefulness in the role of defender. Metal and machine replacements had been designed by former Inquisition members, useful prosthetics that he used regularly. But they were clunky, detached, and no matter how enchanted or advanced, lacked the same grace and ease of what he’d lost. Thus, he added a new aspect to his compulsive studying – how to regrow a limb.

His own knowledge of healing magicks was limited, but thankfully in his travels he’d made friends with spirits who could impart bits and pieces of the knowledge he needed. Over the course of nine years, the former Inquisitor slowly but surely pulled energy from the Fade to recreate muscle, bone, and sinew.

Having his arm back brought him an unexpected feeling of freedom, however, and his neurotic need to pursue Solas and ‘save the world’ lessened – at least to a healthier level. The letters he sent to friends went more frequently, their contents much lighter and even playful from time to time. While the wounds on his heart were still healing and his desire to protect never lessened, he found the healing of his body brought him enough peace to feel a little more like himself again.

[/PTab={height: 250px; overflow: auto;}][PTab=Miscellaneous]

[attr="class","cafh2"]Appearance Notes

If there was one thing Séaghdha ever really wished he could do, it was to set up a collection: one gold per every time someone mistook him for a woman. He wagered he’d be able to buy half of Thedas, at this point in his life.

In truth, Séaghdha has always been self-conscious about his appearance. Teasing and unwanted attraction both have caused an insecurity in his looks, and he typically endeavors to dress plainly in as many layers and be as fully covered at possible. While he will dress up when the occasion calls for it, the former Inquisitor has made certain that he rarely stands out in a crowd.

…Except for two things: his vallaslin, and his arm.

While he was once especially proud of his vallaslin, his relationship with them has turned rocky. Logically, he knows there are few who knows the truth of them, but he cannot help but feel all the eyes that see them think the same thing - slave, puppet, weak.

However, he refuses to cover them or search out a way to remove them; he reminds himself regularly that whatever they meant before, they mean something differently now. They mean family, pride, and accomplishment. The staggered emotions are often difficult for him to reconcile.

His arm, however, is a very different matter. The regrowth gave him function, but the limb is intensely scarred and bears the unique marks of the magic that was used to heal it. It could be called grotesque, or ‘unseemly’ is the company is being particularly pleasant, and he finds great shame in it. Séaghdha goes to great lengths to avoid anyone ever seeing it; each and every outfit, whether it be formal or casual, is accompanied by a long, finely tailored glove that reaches up past his bicep, almost forming a complete sleeve. He has several in varying styles and colors, some for fashion and other, thicker and more durable obviously for function. No matter where he is or what he’s doing, he is rarely (if ever) seen without his glove.

[attr="class","cafh2"]Relationship Notes

Due to not wanting to shoehorn anyone into a relationship or upset the canonical balance, it is assumed Séaghdha was unromanced through the events of Inquisition.

Séaghdha has only one romantic relationship in his history, and he remembers it fondly despite the tragic end that came to it. A childhood friend named Braden and he grew close as they became older, much in part due to not quite fitting in with the other young Dalish. Boys were chasing girls; girls were chasing boys – there wasn’t a lot of room for the alternative both of the young man preferred.

Eventually, an emotional bond beyond shared, secret preferences began to form, and they decided to see each other, usually in clandestine meetings under the moon and trees. Of course, Keeper Deshanna knew Séaghdha too well not to notice he was up to something, and they were caught quickly, during a very, very awkward moment. Clan Lavellan, being the relatively progressive and familial clan they are, accepted the boys without much question at all.

They had a healthy and fruitful relationship for a solid two years, until Braden was slayed on a hunt when straying too close to a small human encampment. Séaghdha mourned his loss deeply, but found solace in his books and his memories. Braden would have wanted him to move on, and by the time he was leaving for the Inquisition, he considered his mourning period ended.

[attr="class","cafh2"]Rumors

There are rumors floating around here and there that the former Inquisitor discovered how to harness other strange magic, beyond that of healing his arm. Some say his days spent locked away have resulted in the creation of… something. Something useful, something potentially powerful hidden away at Skyhold. There are few specifics, and no one is sure exactly how much is true. Séaghdha himself finds them entertaining, and certainly more interesting rumors than the usual ‘savage Dalish’.

[/PTab={height: 250px; overflow: auto;}][/PTabbedContent]

[newclass=.PT_Tabs_holder]height: 15px; text-transform: uppercase; line-height: 15px; margin-top: -5px; text-align: center;[/newclass][newclass=table.PT_table td]border: 0px; padding: 0px;[/newclass][newclass=table.PT_table]border: 0px; padding: 0px;[/newclass][newclass=.PT_table .PT_spots]background: transparent; padding: 5px; text-align: justify;[/newclass][newclass=.PT_table .PT_tabs]background: #eeeeee; color: #000;[/newclass][newclass=.PT_table .PT_tabs_selected]background-color: #6f79c4; color: #000;[/newclass][newclass=.PT_table .PT_tabs_hover]background-color: #6f79c4; color: #000;[/newclass][newclass=.PT_table .PT_tabs_selected_hover]background-color: #eeeeee; color: #000;[/newclass][newclass=.cafh2]font-family: Century Gothic; text-transform: uppercase; font-size: 14px; width: 55%; display: block; text-align: center; margin: 5px auto; border-bottom: 1px solid #6f79c4;[/newclass][newclass=.PT_spots::-webkit-scrollbar]width: 3px; height: 3px;[/newclass][newclass=.PT_spots::-webkit-scrollbar-thumb] background: #6f79c4;[/newclass][newclass=.PT_spots::-webkit-scrollbar-track] background: transparent;[/newclass][newclass=.cafbox]display: inline-block; background: #eeeeee; color: #000; width: 80px; height: 15px; font-size: 10px; text-transform: uppercase; line-height: 15px; margin: 0 3px;[/newclass][newclass=.cafbtbox]height: 350px; width: 193px; overflow: auto; text-align: justify; padding-right:5px;[/newclass][newclass=.cafbtbox ul]padding-left: 0px; margin-left: 20px;[/newclass][newclass=.cafbtbox::-webkit-scrollbar]width: 3px; height: 3px;[/newclass][newclass=.cafbtbox::-webkit-scrollbar-thumb]background: #6f79c4;[/newclass][newclass=.cafbtbox::-webkit-scrollbar-track]background: transparent;[/newclass]

Post by Séaghdha Lavellan on Jun 21, 2016 19:42:22 GMT -5

Post by Adelle on Jun 22, 2016 18:16:36 GMT -5